Kota Ibushi to undergo second surgery on fractured femur

Professional wrestler Kota Ibushi has announced he will undergo a second surgery on his fractured femur. The 44-year-old AEW star sustained the injury during a match against Josh Alexander in October 2025.

Ibushi revealed via Instagram that the current surgical plates in his leg were deemed too weak for his body and must be replaced with stronger options. While expressing exhaustion regarding the repeated procedures, Ibushi stated, “I refuse to let something like this end my professional wrestling career. I will make sure this surgery is a success and absolutely return to AEW.”

Previous recovery timelines had suggested a potential return to the ring by late 2026, though medical professionals had suggested 2027 might be more realistic. This latest setback is expected to further delay his return to competition.